Last Night, I could not have been more surprised, honored, and humbled to receive the JW Massengill Award at the first, post pandemic Farm City Banquet. JW Massengill was a long time dairy farmer on the large and prosperous, historic Earnest Farm in Chuckey. His contribution to Agriculture was long and significant and therefore the award recognizes someone each year that has made a significant contribution to Agriculture in our community.
For 25 years, it was my honor, and privilege to be a part of, and lead, what came to be known as the Rural Resources Farm & Food Education Center. We focused on connecting farm and table by creating hands on opportunities for children with Farm Day Camp, and for teens with the Farm and Food Teen Training Program to put their hands in the soil and then harvest, prepare, and eat what they grew. We facilitated workshops for farmers and growers to be introduced to new methods, best practices, and to have opportunities to share with each other. We worked to promote and facilitate gardening and local food opportunities, including starting gardens in the Greeneville Terrace Section 8 Apartments, helping facilitate the Farmers Market behind the library, running the Mobile Farmers Market, and by holding numerous local food events including the Incredible Farm Dinner in the middle of Main Street.
All of this was accomplished by an amazing staff and Board of Directors, with the help of volunteers, donors and funders who were willing to try new things, and sometimes fail, but have many successes along the way. The award is also theirs for lots of sweat, tears, and joy!
I might add that Rural Resources is still working hard to accomplish the same mission and has a Christmas fundraiser/open house event this coming Saturday afternoon December 3rd from 1-5pm (2870 Holly Creek Road, Greeneville).
I especially want to thank Steve Hale, long time UT Extension Agent, and the Agribusiness Committee of the Greene County Partnership for choosing me for this award. This is a truly dedicated and tireless group of people who have tenaciously championed agriculture, rain and shine, since the Greene Co Partnership began in the early 1990’s. Coming from this group, the honor is extremely humbling and deeply appreciated. Thank you!
